Plant-Activating Agent

ABSTRACT

The present invention provides a plant-activating agent for improving the activity of plants efficiently without a chemical injury onto the plant. The plant-activating agent is selected from the group consisting of (1) an organic acid derivative which is derived from the organic acid having two functional groups and wherein at least one of the above-mentioned functional groups is bonded to a group containing 1 to 30 carbon atoms; (2) a compound represented by the formula (II): 
       RCOO(AO) n X 1    (II) 
     wherein R represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 11 to 29 carbon atoms; X 1  represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or acyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, or a counter ion; AO represents at least one group selected from oxyethylene, oxyprolylene and oxybutylene groups and may be random or block; and n represents an average number of moles added and is zero to 30; and (3) a glycerol derivative. If necessary, the agent is used together with a surfactant, a fertilizer component or a chelating agent.

This application is a Continuation of co-pending application Ser. No. 09/842,896 filed on Apr. 27, 2001, and for which priority is claimed under 35 U.S.C. § 120; and this application claims priority of Application Nos. 2000-131667, 2000-231668 and 2000-131669 all filed in Japan on Apr. 28, 2000 under 35 U.S.C. § 119; the entire contents of all are hereby incorporated by reference.

The present invention relates to a plant-activating agent, a plant-activating composition or a method of activating a plant by applying said composition or agent in the state of a solution or a solid to roots, stems, phylloplanes or fruits of a plant, such as spraying onto phylloplanes or irrigating into soil. Now, hereinafter, the term of “plant” means products that can be recognized from the term itself, vegetables, fruits, fruit trees, crops, bulbs, flowers, grass, herbs, plants defined in taxonomy, and so on.

It is added by the inventors of the invention that the term “plant growth” includes increasing the amount of growth, increasing the weight of a plant on both sides of the surface of the soil, i.e., aboveground and the underground. “Plant growth” also includes further increasing greenness of leaves in terms of SPAD, increasing the height of grasses, improving harvest or crop, increasing photosynthesis, accelerating growth of green cells, improving absorption of a fertilizer, increasing sugar content and ascorbic acid of leaves and fruit. In more detail, it extends to improving: gloss of leaves, rising-up of leaves, firmness of leaves, an increased thickness of leaves, firmness of stem, short joints of stem, thickness of stem, whiteness of root, the number of fine roots, vivacity or strength of grasses or trees, gloss of fruit, size of fruit, fruiting, color of fruit etc.

BACKGROUND ART

Various nutrient elements are necessary for growth of plants. It is known that a lack of some of the elements causes hindrance in the growth of plants. For example, the big three fertilizer components function as follows. Nitrogen is a component element of proteins, and phosphorus is a formation element of nucleic acid or phospholipid and further plays an important part in energy metabolism and synthetic or decomposing reaction of a substance. Potassium has a physiological action of substance metabolism or substance migration. If these main components are lacking, the growth of plants generally becomes poor. Calcium is an important component constituting plants and cells, and further plays an important part in maintenance of the balance of the metabolic system. The lacking state of calcium causes physiological troubles. Besides, various nutrients as follows are necessary for plants: magnesium, iron, sulfur, boron, manganese, copper, zinc, molybdenum, chlorine, silicon, sodium and the like.

Nutritious components such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium are applied as basal fertilizer or additional fertilizer. Alternatively, they are applied by diluting liquid fertilizer and irrigating the diluted fertilizer into soil or by spraying the diluted fertilizer onto phylloplanes. These fertilizers are necessary and/or essential for the growth of plants. However, even if they are applied at larger concentrations than some values, the growth of plants and the yield of the plants cannot be further improved.

However, it is an important theme in agricultural production to promote the growth of agricultural plants and increase the yield per unit area to strive for an increase in income. Various plant growth regulators have been developed and used to help meet this need. The plant growth regulators, the typical examples of which include gibberellin and auxin, are used to regulate growth reactions or form-producing reactions such as germination, rooting, expansion, flowering and bearing. When these regulators are used, a period or a concentration thereof for applying these regulators and a method of treating these regulators are complicated. Thus, the uses thereof are restrictive.

In order to solve such problems, JP-A 55-100304 discloses that a plant growth regulator characterized by comprising an organic acid as an effective component is useful for graminoids, leaf vegetables and root vegetables. JP-A 62-242604 also discloses that a composition for regulating plant growth, which comprises lactic acid, is useful for promoting growth and/or production of fruits and suppressing growth of undesired plants.

Furthermore, U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,529 discloses a preparation for fertilizer comprising a plant nutrient, water, a lipophilic organic material and a fatty acid having 1 to 10 carbon atoms in order to improve absorbing phosphoric acid. JP-A 4-31382 also discloses that propionic acid or a polyhydric carboxylic acid makes a phosphoric acid-absorbing effect high.

JP-A 9-512274 discloses a method for regulating plant growth which comprises suppressing a height of the plant by applying a growth-suppressing composition comprising a polyol in an effective amount for growth-suppression to a root sphere of the plant and then increasing the diameter of its stem.

In the present situation, however, none of the above-mentioned techniques can be said to be sufficient in their effects for practical use.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to suffer no chemical injury to a plant, to promote a green-degree of its leaves, its leaf-area and its rooting power and to heighten an efficiency for absorbing a fertilizer, thereby activating the plant and improving a yield and quality thereof.

The present invention is a plant-activating agent selected from the group consisting of

(1) an organic acid derivative which is derived from the organic acid having two functional groups and wherein at least one of the above-mentioned functional groups is bonded to a group containing 1 to 30 carbon atoms;

(2) a compound represented by the formula (II):

RCOO(AO)_(n)X¹  (II)

wherein R represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 11 to 29 carbon atoms; X¹ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or acyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, or a counter ion; AO represents at least one group selected from oxyethylene, oxyprolylene and oxybutylene groups and may be random or block; and n represents an average number of molecules added and is zero to 30; and

(3) a glycerol derivative.

The organic acid derivative (1) is preferably a compound represented by the following formula (I):

A-(B)_(a)—C  (I)

wherein A and C are independent each other and each thereof is a group selected from —COOX, —COOR¹,

—R⁴, —OH, and —OR⁵; and

B is a group selected from —(CH₂)₁—, —(CH═CH)_(n)—,

wherein each of X, Y and Z represents independently a hydrogen atom or a counter ion, each of R¹, R⁴ and R⁹ represents independently a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, R⁵ is a group selected from

a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms and an acyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, and each of R², R³, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ represents independently a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, a is zero or a number selected from 1 or more, each of l, m, n, o, p, q, r, s and t represents independently a number selected from zero to 10, each of u and v represents independently a number selected from 1 to 50; which are selected so that a group containing 1 to 30 carbon atoms may be bonded to at least one of the functional groups in the molecule; when both of A and C are groups selected from —R⁴—OH and —OR⁵, B is not a group selected from —(CH₂)₁—, (CH═CH)_(m)—,

In the organic acid derivative (1), the organic acid preferably has at least one hydroxyl group as a functional group.

When the agent is the compound (2) represented by the formula (II), it is preferable in the formula (II) that n is zero to 20, R represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 13 to 21 carbon atoms, X¹ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or acyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 22 carbon atoms, or a counter ion (when n is not zero, the counter ion is not included).

When the agent is the glycerol derivative (3), the glycerol derivative is preferably selected from the group consisting of an ester of glycerol and an acid, an ether of glycerol and a hydroxyl group-containing compound, a condensate of glycerol or a derivative thereof, and glyceric acid or a derivative thereof.

Furthermore, the present invention provides a plant-activating composition comprising the above-mentioned plant-activating agent and at least one of a fertilizer agent, a surfactant and a chelating agent.

The above-mentioned surfactant is preferably selected from a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant and an amphoteric surfactant.

The present invention also relates to a method of activating a plant by applying the above-mentioned plant-activating agent to the plant or use of the above-mentioned plant-activating agent for activating a plant.

Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of promoting the green degree of leaves, a leaf-area and rooting power without a chemical injury by the above-mentioned plant-activating agent. It also relates a method of increasing the efficiency for absorbing a fertilizer by the above-mentioned plant-activating agent and further relates to a method of improving a yield and the quality of a plant by activating the plant.

Additionally, the present invention relates to a method of growing a plant by the above-mentioned plant-activating agent.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Respective forms of the plant-activating agents (1), (2) and (3) of the present invention will be described. With regard to (1) the organic acid derivative having at least two functional groups wherein a group containing 1 to 30 carbon atoms is bonded to at least one of the functional groups.

In the present form, there is used an organic acid derivative having at least two functional groups wherein a group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms is bonded to at least one of the functional groups because of being able to give a plant activity efficiently without a chemical injury. The functional group includes carboxyl, hydroxyl and amino groups. The organic acid has preferably at least one hydroxyl group. The group bonded to the functional group includes an alkyl, alkenyl, alkylamino, oxyalkylene groups. The organic acid derivative is preferably a compound represented by the above-mentioned formula (I).

Each of R¹, R⁴ and R⁹ in the formula (I) represents a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms. R¹ and R¹² are preferably hydrocarbon groups having 12 to 26 carbon atoms and more preferably those having 14 to 22 carbon atoms. R⁴ is a hydrocarbon group having preferably 1 to 10 carbon atoms and more preferably 1 to 5 carbon atoms. R¹, R⁴ and R⁹ are preferably alkyl and alkenyl groups. The hydrocarbon group of R¹, R⁴ or R⁹, preferably alkyl or alkenyl group, may be saturated or unsaturated and are preferably saturated. It may be linear, branched or cyclic and is preferably linear or branched and more preferably linear. Specific examples of R¹, R⁴ and R⁹ include an alkyl group such as lauryl group, tetradecyl group, hexadecyl group, octadecy group, eicosyl group (which is an alkyl group having 20 carbon atoms) and behenyl group (which is an alkyl group having 22 carbon atoms); and an alkenyl group such as a C14F1 group (wherein the number next to C means the number of carbon atoms and the number next to F means the number of unsaturated bonds and this is the same hereinafter), a C16F1 group, a C18F1 group, a C20F1 group and a C22F1 group.

Each of R², R³, R⁶, R⁷, R⁸, R¹⁰, R¹¹, R¹², R¹³, R¹⁴ and R¹⁵ in the formula (I) represents a hydrogen atom or a hydrocarbon group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 12 to 26 carbon atoms and more preferably 14 to 22 carbon atoms. It is preferably a hydrocarbon group. The hydrocarbon groups are preferably alkyl and alkenyl groups. The hydrocarbon group, preferably an alkyl or alkenyl group, may be saturated or unsaturated and preferably saturated. It may be linear, branched or cyclic, is preferably linear or branched, and is more preferably linear.

Each of X, Y and Z in the formula (I) represents a hydrogen atom or a counter ion. Specific examples of the counter ion include an alkali metal such as sodium and potassium, an alkali earth metal such as calcium and magnesium, an alkylamine salt such as trimethylamine and triethylamine, and an alkanolamine salt such as ethanolamine. An alkali metal or an alkali earth metal is preferable.

Moreover, a in the formula (I) is the total number of B. When at least two Bs are present in the formula (I), that is a≧2, B may be the same or different among the groups defined above.

The organic acid constituting the organic acid derivative in the present invention is preferably a hydroxycarboxylic acid such as citric acid, gluconic acid, malic acid, lactic acid or tartaric acid, and is more preferably citric acid.

When the organic acid derivative in the present invention has a hydrophilic group and a lipophilic group, its HLB measured by Griffin's method is preferably not more than 10, more preferably not more than 8, and most preferably not more than 5.

With regard to (2) the compound represented by the above-mentioned formula RCOO(AO)_(n)X¹ (II).

In the present form, R in the formula (II) has 11 to 29 carbon atoms, preferably 13 to 21 carbon atoms, and more preferably 15 to 19 carbon atoms because of being able to give a plant activity efficiently without a chemical injury. It may be saturated or unsaturated and is preferably saturated. On the other hand, it may be linear, branched or cyclic and is preferably linear or branched and more preferably linear. Specific examples of R include alkyl groups such as undecyl, tridecyl, pentadecyl, heptadecyl, nonadecyl and henicosyl groups, and alkenyl groups such as pentadecenyl, heptadecenyl and nonadecenyl groups. There are preferably alkyl groups such as pentadecyl, heptadecyl and nonadecyl groups, and alkenyl groups such as pentadecenyl, heptadecenyl and nonadecenyl groups. There are particularly preferably alkyl groups such as pentadecyl, heptadecyl and nonadecyl groups.

X¹ in the formula (II) represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or acyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms (preferably an alkyl or acyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms), an alkenyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms (preferably an alkenyl group having 2 to 22 carbon atoms), or a counter ion. Specific examples of X¹ include alkyl groups such as lauryl, tetradecyl, hexadecyl, octadecyl, arachinyl and behenyl groups; acyl groups such as lauroyl, myristoyl, palmitoyl, stearoyl, arachidoyl and behenoyl groups; and alkenyl groups such as tetradecenyl, hexadecenyl, oleyl, codoyl, eicosenyl and docosenyl groups. There are preferably alkyl groups such as hexadecyl, octadecyl and arachinyl groups; acyl groups such as palmitoyl, stearoyl and arachidoyl groups; and alkenyl groups such as hexadecenyl, oleyl, codoyl and eicosenyl groups. There are particularly preferably alkyl groups such as hexadecyl, octadecyl and arachinyl groups. Specific example of the counter ion may be one of alkali metals such as sodium and potassium; alkali earth metals such as calcium and magnesium; alkylamine salts such as trimethylamine and triethylamine; and alkanolamine salts such as ethanolamine. There are preferably alkali metals and alkali earth metals.

AO represents at least one group selected from oxyethylene, oxypropylene and oxybutylene groups. The number of AO units being n, AO's may be the same or different. It may be random or block, and n represents an average number of moles added of zero to 30, preferably zero to 20 and more preferably zero to 10. When the compound (iI) has a hydrophilic group and a lipophilic group, its HLB measured by Griffin's method is preferably not more than 10, more preferably not more than 8, and most preferably not more than 5.

From the viewpoint of promoting the plant-growth, there is preferably one represented by the formula (II) wherein n is zero to 20, R is an alkyl or alkenyl group having 13 to 21 carbon atoms, X is a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or acyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 22 carbon atoms, or a counter ion (when n is not zero, the counter ion is excluded).

With regard to (3) the glycerol derivative.

In the present form, a glycerol derivative is used because of giving a plant activity efficiently without a chemical injury. The glycerol derivative is preferably selected from the group consisting of an ester of glycerol and an acid (referred to hereinafter as a glycerol ester), an ether of glycerol and a hydroxyl group-containing compound (referred to hereinafter as a glycerol ether), a condensate of glycerol or a derivative thereof, and glyceric acid or a derivative thereof.

The acid constituting the glycerol derivative may be an organic acid or an inorganic acid. The organic acid may have 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 4 to 30 carbon atoms and more preferably 12 to 24 carbon atoms. The inorganic acid may be phosphoric acid, sulfuric acid or carbonic acid. When the ester of the inorganic acid is used, the inorganic acid may be in a salt form. The glycerol ester is preferably an ester of glycerol and an organic acid, that is, a monoester, diester or triester of glycerol and an organic acid. It is possible to use, as the triester of glycerol and an organic acid, a synthesized triester, an animal fat and/or oil such as beef tallow, pork lard, fish oil and whale oil, or a vegetable fat and/or oil such as coconut oil, palm oil, palm-stearin oil, castor oil, bean oil or olive oil. A fat and/or oil is preferable.

The hydroxyl group-containing compound constituting the glycerol ether may be an alcohol having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, preferably 4 to 30 and more preferably 12 to 24. The glycerol ester may be a glycerol monoalkyl ether such as batyl alcohol, isostearyl glyceryl ether and behenyl glyceryl ether. It may be diether or triether. The glycerol ether in the present invention includes an alkylene oxide (referred to hereinafter as AO) adduct to glycerol. The average number of AO moles added in the adduct is preferably 1 to 30, more preferably 1 to 10 and most preferably 1 to 5. An AO adduct to a mixture of glycerol and an oil and/or fat can be used. The average number of AO moles added in the adduct is preferably 1 to 30, more preferably 1 to 10 and most preferably 1 to 5.

The condensate of glycerol or a derivative thereof may be a polyglycerol represented by the following formula or a derivative thereof:

wherein n is a number selected from 2 to 50, R represents a hydrogen atom or an acyl group having 2 to 31 carbon atoms, X represents an alkylene group having 2 to 4 carbon atoms, and each of m₁, m₂ and m₃ is a number selected from zero to 30.

Glyceric acid can be obtained by oxidizing glycerol or glyceraldehyde. In the present invention, a glyceric acid derivative such as a glyceric acid ester and a glyceric acid amide may be also used.

When the glycerol derivative in the present invention has a hydrophilic group and a lipophilic group, its HLB measured by Griffin's method is preferably not more than 10, more preferably not more than 8, and most preferably not more than 5.

The form of the above-mentioned plant-activating agent may be any one of liquid, flowable, wettable powder, granule, dust formulation and tablet. When the agent is treated as an aqueous solution or an aqueous dispersion, the plant-activating agent is usually diluted into a concentration of 0.01 to 5000 ppm, preferably 0.1 to 1000 ppm, and more preferably 0.5 to 500 ppm to be applied onto phylloplanes or roots of a plant.

For the method supplying the plant-activating agent of the present invention to a plant, various techniques may be used. For example, it includes a method of applying directly a dust formulation or a granule as a fertilizer, a method of spraying a diluted aqueous solution directly on phylloplanes, stems or fruits of a plant, a method of injecting a diluted aqueous solution into soil, and a method of supplying to dilute and to mix into a liquid for hydroponics and a supplying water which are contacted with roots and which are such as hydroponics and a rock wool.

Plants, which can be treated with the plant-activating agent of the present invention, may be fruit vegetables such as a cucumber, a pumpkin, a watermelon-plant, a melon, a tomato, an eggplant, a green pepper, a strawberry, an okra, kidney beans in a pod, a broad bean, a pea, green soybeans in a pod and a corn; leaf vegetables such as a Chinese cabbage, greens for pickling, a Brassica campestris (a Chinese spinach-like green vegetable), a cabbage, a cauliflower, a broccoli, a Brussels sprout, an onion, a Welsh onion, a garlic, a scallion, a leek, an asparagus, a lettuce, a green for salad (which is called Saladana in Japan), a celery, a spinach, a crown daisy, a parsley, a trefoil (which is called Mitsuba in Japan and is useful as herb), a dropwort, an udo (which is an Aralia cordata), a Japanese ginger, a Japanese butterbur and a labiate; and root vegetables such as a radish, a turnip, a burdock, a carrot, a potato, a taro, a sweet potato, a yam, a ginger-plant (which is called Shoga in Japan) and a lotus root. Besides, the plant-activating agent may be used for a rice-plant, a barley, a wheat or a group thereof, and petalous-plants.

For the purpose of promoting emulsification, dispersion, solubilization or permeation, it is preferable in the present invention to use the following surfactant together with the plant-activating agent. There are exemplified nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants. Nonionic surfactants, anionic surfactants and amphoteric surfactants are preferable.

Examples of nonionic surfactants include sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene fatty acid esters, glycerol fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene glycerol fatty acid esters, polyglycerol fatty acid esters, polyoxyalkylene polyglycerol fatty acid esters, sucrose fatty acid esters, resin acid esters, polyoxyalkylene resin acid esters, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ethers, polyoxyalkylene alkylphenyl ethers, alkyl(poly) glycosides and polyoxyalkylenealkyl(poly)glycosides. There are preferably exemplified an ether group-containing nonionic surfactant having no nitrogen atom and an ester group-containing nonionic surfactant.

Examples of anionic surfactants include carboxylic, sulfonic, sulfuric ester group-containing and phosphoric ester group-containing surfactants.

Examples of the carboxylic surfactants include fatty acids having 6 to 30 carbon atoms or salts thereof, polyhydric carboxylic acid salts, polyoxyalkylene alkyl ether carboxylic acid salts, polyoxyalkylene alkylamide ether carboxylic acid salts, rhodinic acid salts, dimmer acid salts, polymer acid salts and tall oil fatty acid salts.

Examples of the sulfonic surfactants include alkylbenezenesulfonates, alkyl sulfonates, alkylnaphthalenesulfonates, naphthalenesulfonates, diphenyl ether sulfonic acid salts, condensates of alkylnaphthalenesulfonates and condensates of naphthalenesulfonates.

Examples of the sulfuric ester group-containing surfactants include alkylsulfates, polyoxyalkylene alkylsulfates, polyoxyalkylene alkyl phenyl ether sulfuric acid salts, tristyrenated phenol sulfuric acid ester salts, polyoxyalkylene distyrenated phenol sulfuric acid ester salts and alkylpolyglycoside sulfuric acid salts.

Examples of phosphoric acid ester group-containing surfactants include alkyl phosphoric acid ester salts, alkylphenylphosphoric acid ester salts, polyoxyalkylene alkylphosphoric acid ester salts and polyoxyalkylene alkylphenylphosphoric acid ester salts.

Examples of the salts include salts of metals (such as Na, K, Ca, Mg and Zn), ammonium salts, alkanolamine salts and aliphatic amine salts.

Examples of amphoteric surfactants include amino acid group-containing, betaine group-containing, imidazoline group-containing and amine oxide group-containing surfactants.

Examples of the amino acid group-containing surfactants include acylamino acid salts, acylsarcosine acid salts, acyloylmethylaminopropionic acid salts, alkylaminopropionic acid salts and acylamide ethylhydroxyethylmethylcarboxylic acid salts.

Examples of the betaine group-containing surfactants include alkyldimethylbetaine, alkylhydroxyethylbetaine, acylamide propylhydroxypropylammonia sulfobetaine and ricinoleic acid amide propyl dimethylcarboxymethylammonia betaine.

Examples of the imidazoline group-containing surfactants include alkylcarboxymethylhydroxyethyl imidazolinium betaine and alkylethoxycarboxymethyl imidazolinium betaine.

Examples of the amine oxide group-containing surfactants include alkyldimethylamine oxide, alkyldiethanolamine oxide and alkylamidepropylamine oxide.

One kind of the above-mentioned surfactants may be used, and a mixture of two or more kinds thereof may be used. When one of these surfactants comprises a polyoxyalkylene group, it is exemplified that the polyoxyalkylene group has a polyoxyethylene group and the average number of moles added of alkylene oxide is from 1 to 50. To solubilize and disperse uniformly effective components of the plant-activating agent, the surfactant is preferably a highly hydrophilic surfactant and its HLB measured by Griffin's method is preferably not less than 10 and more preferably not less than 12.

The following fertilizer components may be used together therewith. There are specifically exemplified inorganic or organic compounds which can supply elements such as N, P, K, Ca, Mg, S, B, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Mo, Cl, Si and Na, in particular N, P, K, Ca and Mg. Examples of such inorganic compounds include ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, ammonium sulfate, ammonium chloride, ammonium phosphate, sodium nitrate, urea, ammonium carbonate, potassium phosphate, calcium superphosphate, fused phosphate fertilizer (3MgO.CaO.P₂O₅. 3CaSiO₂), potassium sulfate, potassium chloride, nitrate of lime, slaked lime, carbonate of lime, magnesium sulfate, magnesium hydroxide and magnesium carbonate. Examples of the organic compounds include fowl droppings, cow dung, Bark compost, amino acid, peptone, amino acid solution (which is called Mieki in Japan), fermentation extracts, calcium salts of organic acids (such as citric acid, gluconic acid and succinic acid), and calcium salts of fatty acids (such as formic acid, acetic acid, propionic acid, caprylic acid, capric acid and caproic acid). These fertilizer components may be used together with the surfactant. When fertilizer components are sufficiently applied as basal fertilizer to soil as seen in outdoor cultivation of a rice-plant or vegetables, it is unnecessary to mix the fertilizer components. Further, when a cultivation form is such as a fertigation (a hydroponic soil culture) or hydroponics, when it avoids applying excessively basal fertilizer and, when it is a type of providing a fertilizer component together with irrigation-water, the fertilizer component is preferably mixed.

When the plant-activating composition of the present invention is mixed with a chelating agent such as the following organic acid having chelating ability and a salt thereof, the growth and the efficiency for absorbing a fertilizer are further improved. Specific examples thereof include oxycarboxylic acids such as citric acid, gluconic acid, malic acid, heptonic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, adipic acid and glutaric acid; polycarboxylic acids; and salts thereof such as potassium salt, sodium salt, alkanolamine salt and aliphatic amine salt.

Mixing a chelating agent other than the organic acids also causes the growth and the efficiency for absorbing a fertilizer to be improved. The chelating agent to be mixed includes aminocarboxylic group-containing chelating agents such as ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid (CDTA).

In the present invention, at least one selected from a fertilizer component, a surfactant and a chelating agent may be used together therewith. It is particularly preferable to use both of a surfactant and a chelating agent together therewith. If a fertilizer is required at the time of application thereof, it is preferable to use a surfactant, a fertilizer and a chelating agent together with the plant-activating agent of the present invention, for example. If no fertilizer is required at the time of application thereof, it is preferable to use a surfactant and a chelating agent together the plant-activating agent of the present invention, for example.

The form of and the method spraying the plant-activating agent of the present invention and so on are the same as in the above-mentioned description. As necessary, water and/or a solvent may be comprised.

About the ratio of the respective components in the plant-activating composition of the present invention, 10 to 20000 parts by weight and particularly 100 to 2000 parts by weight of a surfactant, zero to 50000 parts by weight and particularly 10 to 5000 parts by weight of a fertilizer component, zero to 10000 parts by weight and particularly 10 to 5000 parts by weight of a chelating agent, and zero to 50000 parts by weight and particularly 10 to 5000 parts by weight of other nutrients (such as saccharides, amino acids, vitamins) are preferable per 100 parts by weight of the activating agent.

When the activating agent in a dust formulation or granule state as a fertilizer is generally applied to soil, it is preferable to use the dust formulation or granule containing the above-mentioned components other than water at the same ratio as above. This dust formulation or granule may contain a vehicle to prevent caking thereof.

Treated by the plant-activating agent of the present invention in an appropriate concentration, the activity of a plant can be efficiently improved without a chemical injury to the plant. Thus, the plant-activating agent can be used for various farm products. Furthermore, the present invention causes improvement in plant-growth, such as promotion of taking root of a plant, increase of SPAD value, and increase of the efficiency for absorbing a fertilizer. Germination of seeds of a plant is promoted.

EXAMPLES

Examples of the present invention will be described hereinafter. Examples 1 to 4, Examples A1 to A4, and Examples B1 to B4 represent examples with regard to (1), (2) and (3), respectively.

Example 1 Test of Reproductive Ability Using Chlorella Cells

Chlorella cells which were green cells of a higher plant were cultured with vibration in an inorganic salt medium. The reproductive ability using chlorella cells (ability for increasing the number of the cells) was evaluated by comparing the treated area to which the plant-activating agent or the plant-activating composition shown in Table 1 was added in an effective concentration shown in Table 1 with non-treated area (i.e., only original nutrients of the inorganic salt medium). The concentration of the cells was set to 1.00×10⁵ (cells per ml) at the start of the test. The reproductive ability of the cells is respected by each of the relative values in the number of the chlorella cells after 14 days from adding the respective plant-activating agents or compositions followed by culturing the cells when the number of cells on the non-treated area is made to be 100. As the inorganic salt medium, a Linsmaier-Skoog (LS) medium was used. Three media were used as the treated areas and the non-treated areas every the plant-activating agent or the plant-activating composition. The average thereof was compared with that in the non-treated areas.

TABLE 1 Plant-activating agent or plant- Evaluation activating composition result Concentration Reproductive Kind (ppm) ability Inventive 1-1 Citric acid C18 monoester 30 142 product 1-2 Citric acid C18 monoester 15 140 Citric acid C16 monoester 15 1-3 Citric acid C18 monoester potassium salt 30 138 1-4 Citric acid C18 monoester 30 148 EDTA•4Na 4 1-5 Citric acid C18 monoamide 30 139 1-6 Citric acid C14 monoamide 30 136 1-7 Citric acid C18 diester 30 138 1-8 Citric acid C12 monoamide 30 128 Comparative 1-1 Lactic acid 30 99 product 1-2 Inorganic salt medium (non-treated area) — 100 (Note) C18 or the like means an alkyl group in which the number of carbon atoms is the number next to C. (This is the same hereinafter.)

Example 2 Test of Hydroponics of Tomato Seedlings

Seeds of tomato “Momotaro” were sown in a box, and seedlings having 3 true leaves at the expansion period were hydroponically used in a culturing solution in which “OKF2” (supplied by Otsuka Chemical Co. Ltd.) as a fertilizer (an NPK base) was diluted [to 538 times (i.e. 855 ppm as an effective fertilizer component)]. At this time, plant-activating compositions comprising components shown in Table 2 in effective component concentrations shown in Table 2 were added to carry out the test. Each of the used plant-activating compositions was forcibly emulsified with a home mixer to be used. After 6 days from starting the test, the culturing solution was collected to measure the concentration of nitrate ions with RQ Flex (supplied by Merk) and to calculate the efficiency for absorbing a nitrate nitrogen fertilizer. At this time, plural containers in which hydroponics was carried out as described above were prepared and then the concentration of nitrate ions was measured one time about each of three containers that were arbitrarily selected. Three data were obtained about the respective areas and then the average of the calculated efficiencies of the absorption was defined as the efficiency for absorbing the nitrate nitrogen fertilizer. About the three individuals used in the measurement of the efficiency for absorbing the fertilizer, their chlorophyll values (hereinafter abbreviated to SPAD values) showing the green degree of leaves were measured with SPAD502 supplied by Minolta Co., Ltd. SPAD value was measured 10 times for each of the three individuals (that is, the number of data is 30). The average thereof was made as SPAD value. The SPAD value was measured at different positions of the third true leaf in each of the individuals.

These results are shown in Table 2. Each and all thereof are the relative values when that of the non-treated areas are made to be 100.

The fertilizer composition of “OKF2” (Otsuka Chemical Co., Ltd.) was as follows: N:P:K:Ca:Mg 14:8:16:6:2.

TABLE 2 Plant-activating composition Test result Concen- Efficiency for tration absorbing a SPAD Kind (ppm) fertilizer value Inventive 2-1 Citric acid C16 diester 100 137 113 product POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 500 2-2 Citric acid C18 monoester 50 140 118 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 150 2-3 Citric acid C18 monoester 50 142 120 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 150 EDTA•4Na 20 2-4 Citric acid C18 monoamide 100 134 109 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 300 2-5 Citric acid C18 diester 400 139 124 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 400 2-6 Citric acid C18 monoamide 100 138 117 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 200 Malonic acid 30 2-7 Citric acid C14 monoester 100 134 112 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 150 2-8 Citric acid C20 monoester potassium salt 100 138 119 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 200 2-9 Citric acid C18F1 monoester 100 136 116 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 200 2-10 Citric acid C18 monoester sodium salt 40 134 115 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 250 2-11 Citric acid C16 monoester potassium salt 100 132 113 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 250 Comparative 2-1 Lactic acid 100 98 100 product POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 200 2-2 Culturing solution only (non-treated area) — 100 100 (Notes) In the Table, POE is an abbreviation of polyoxyethelene. The number in the parentheses is the average number of ethylene oxide moles added. (This is the same hereinafter.)

Example 3 Test of Soil-Treatment for Tomatoes

Seeds of tomato “Momotaro” were sown in a cell tray using “Kureha Engei Baido” [horticultural soil supplied by Kureha Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.; the fertilizer components: N:P:K=0.4:1.9:0.6 (g/kg)] as the cultural soil. After cotyledons of the plants expanded, the plants were fixedly planted in pots having a diameter of 15 cm. Then, the plant-activating compositions comprising components shown in Table 3 and 460 ppm (1000-fold diluted solution) of “OKF2” (supplied by Otsuka Chemical Co., Ltd.) (wherein the balance is water) were given in a treating amount of 100 ml per individual at intervals of 7 days. At this time, each of the plant-activating compositions used were forcibly emulsified with a home mixer. This treatment was repeated 5 times. After 6 days from finishing the 5 treatments, the fresh-weight of the plants was measured. Then, the SPAD value thereof was measured by the same manner as in Example 2. In the present example, however, the number of the used individual was 10, the result of the fresh-weight was the average of 10 data thereof, and the result of the SPAD value was the average of 30 data thereof (that is, 3 points every individual were measured). The SPAD value was measured about the third true leaf. These results are shown in Table 3 provided that each and all are represented by the relative value when that of the non-treated medium is made to be 100.

TABLE 3 Plant-activating composition Concen- Test result tration Fresh- SPAD Kind (ppm) weight value Inventive 3-1 Citric acid C18 monoamide 50 116 113 product POE(20) lauryl ether 150 3-2 Citric acid C18 monoester 50 124 127 POE(8) oleyl ether 150 3-3 Citric acid C16 monoester 50 120 122 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 150 3-4 Citric acid C16 monoester 50 122 124 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 150 EDTA•4Na 20 3-5 Citric acid C18 monoester potassium salt 50 119 120 POE(6) sorbitan monolaurate 150 3-6 Citric acid C20 monoester 50 122 123 POE(40) sorbit tetraoleate 150 3-7 Citric acid C20 monoester potassium salt 50 117 114 Alkyl glycoside (MYDOL 12 supplied by Kao Corp.) 150 3-8 Citric acid C20 monoester potassium salt 50 120 116 Alkyl glycoside (MZDoL 12 supplied by Kao Corp.) 150 Succinic acid 20 3-9 Citric acid C16 monoamide 50 114 112 Sodium POE(3) lauryl ether sulfate 150 3-10 Citric acid C18F1 monoester 50 120 120 Sodium POE(4.5) lauryl ether acetate 150 3-11 Citric acid C18 diester 50 121 121 Lauryl amide propyl betaine 150 Comparative 3-1 Lactic acid 50 99 100 product Sodium POE(3) lauryl ether sulfate 150 3-2 Treated with liquid fertilizer (non-treated area) — 100 100

Example 4 Test of Soil-Treatment for Spinach

Seeds of spinach “Esper” were sown in a cell tray having 50 holes with using “Takii soil for seeds” [Takii & Company LTD, fertilizer components: N:P:K=480:760:345 (mg/l) pH 6.4, and EC: 0.96] as a culturing soil. One area for the test has 10 holes (n=10) in the cell tray. After cotyledons of the plants expanded, the treatment started. That is, the plant-activating composition comprising components shown in Table 4 at effective component concentrations shown in Table 4 (wherein the balance is water) were given in a treating amount of 10 ml per 100 individuals at intervals of 7 days (in case of treated areas). At this time, each of the plant-activating compositions used was forcibly emulsified with a home mixer. This treatment was repeated 4 times. After 6 days from finishing the 4 treatments, the fresh-weights and SPAD values of the plants were measured in the same manner as in Example 2. In the present example, however, the number of the used individuals was 10, the result of the fresh-weight was the average of 10 data thereof, and the result of the SPAD value was the average of 30 data thereof (that is, 3 points every individual were measured). The SPAD value was measured about the second true leaf. These results are shown in Table 4 provided that each and all are represented by the relative value when that of the non-treated area is made to be 100.

During the test period, additional fertilization of fertilizer components was not carried out. Therefore, the plants absorbed and utilized only the nutrients comprised in the culturing soil.

TABLE 4 Plant-activating composition Concen- Test result tration Fresh- SPAD kind (ppm) weight value Inventive 4-1 Citric acid C18 diester 100 135 123 product POE(20) lauryl ether 200 4-2 Citric acid C18 monoester potassium salt 100 135 126 POE(8) oleyl ether 200 4-3 Citric acid C18 monoamide 100 134 122 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 200 4-4 Citric acid C18 monoamide 100 138 130 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 200 EDTA•4Na 30 4-5 Citric acid C18 monoester 100 136 128 POE(6) sorbitan monolaurate 200 4-6 Citric acid C20 monoester 100 130 123 POE(40) sorbit tetraoleate 200 4-7 Citric acid C16 monoester 100 128 124 Alkyl glycoside (MYDOL 12 supplied by Kao Corp.) 200 4-8 Citric acid C16 monoester 100 134 126 Alkyl glycoside (MYDOL 12 supplied by Kao Corp.) 200 Malic acid 30 4-9 Citric acid C12 monoamide 100 127 117 Sodium POE(3) lauryl ether sulfate 200 Comparative 4-1 Lactic acid 100 98 100 product Sodium POE(3) lauryl ether sulfate 200 4-2 Treated by water (non-treated area) — 100 100

Example A1 Test of Reproductive Ability Using Chlorella Cells Example A2 Test of Hydroponics of Tomato Seedlings Example A3 Test of Soil-Treatment for Tomatoes Example A4 Test of Soil-Treatment for Spinach

Examples A1 to A4 were carried out by the same manner as in Examples 1 to 4 except that the plant-activating agents described in Tables A1 to A4 were used. Results are shown in Tables A1 to A4 respectively.

TABLE A1 Plant-activating agent or plant- Evaluation activating composition result Concentration reproductive Kind (ppm) ability Inventive A1-1 Myristic acid (LUNAC MY-98) 30 127 product A1-2 Myristic acid (LUNAC MY-98) 15 146 Palmitic acid (LUNAC P-95) 15 A1-3 Stearic acid (LUNAC S-98) 30 154 A1-4 Stearic acid (LUNAC S-98) 30 158 EDTA•4Na 4 A1-5 Oleic acid 30 148 A1-6 Behenic acid (LUNAC BA) 30 150 A1-7 Melissic acid 30 138 Comparative A1-1 Acetic acid 30 90 product A1-2 Acetic acid 30 92 Ascorbic acid Na salt 4 A1-3 Propionic acid 30 94 A1-4 Lactic acid 30 93 A1-5 Inorganic salt medium (non-treated area) — 100

TABLE A2 Plant-activating composition Test result Concen- Efficiency for tration absorbing a SPAD Kind (ppm) fertilizer value Inventive A2-1 Myristic acid (LUNAC MY-98) 100 130 114 product POE(20) sorbitan monooleate (RHEODOL TW-O120) 500 A2-2 Stearic acid (LUNAC S-98) 50 142 118 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate (RHEODOL TW-O120) 150 A2-3 Stearic acid (LUNAC S-98) 50 147 122 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate (RHEODOL TW-O120) 150 EDTA•4Na 20 A2-4 Oleic acid 100 138 117 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate (RHEODOL TW-O120) 300 A2-5 Behenic acid (LUNAC BA) 100 122 110 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate (RHEODOL TW-O120) 150 A2-6 Methyl laurate (EXCEPARL ML-85) 50 126 109 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate (RHEODOL TW-O120) 150 A2-7 2-decyl-1-terta decanoic acid 100 130 112 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate (RHEODOL TW-O120) 150 A2-8 2 Ethyl hexyl myristate 400 132 111 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate (RHEODOL TW-O120) 600 A2-9 Stearic stearate (EXCEPARL SS) 100 139 112 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate (RHEODOL TW-O120) 200 A2-10 Stearic stearate (EXCEPARL SS) 100 144 115 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate (RHEODOL TW-O120) 200 Malonic acid 40 A2-11 Ethylene glycol distearate (EMANON 3201M) 150 140 114 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate (RHEODOL TW-O120) 400 A2-12 POE(12) monolaurate (EMANON 1112) 200 136 113 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate (RHEODOL TW-O120) 300 A2-13 C₂₁H₄₃C00(EO)₅COC₁₇H₃₅ 250 132 116 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate (RHEODOL TW-O120) 500 A2-14 C₂₉H₅₉COO(PO)₃(EO)₂COC₁₇H₃₅ 150 138 118 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate (RHEODOL TW-O120) 300 A2-15 C₁₇H₃₃COO(PO)₁₅H 100 130 118 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate (RHEODOL TW-O120) 250 Comparative A2-1 Acetic acid 50 90 96 product POE(20) sorbitan monooleate (RHEODOL TW-O120) 150 A2-2 Lactic acid 100 92 94 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate (RHEODOL TW-O120) 300 A2-3 Non-treated area (culturing solution only) — 100 100

TABLE A3 Plant-activating composition Concen- Test result tration Fresh- SPAD Kind (ppm) weight value Inventive A3-1 Stearic acid (LUNAC S-98) 50 108 113 product POE(20) polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (EMULGEN 120) 150 A3-2 Stearic acid (LUNAC S-98) 50 109 110 POE(8) polyoxyethylene oleyl ether (EMULGEN 408) 150 A3-3 Stearic acid (LUNAC S-98) 50 120 121 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate (RHEODOL TW-O120) 150 A3-4 Stearic acid (LUNAC S-98) 50 123 122 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate (RHEODOL TW-O120) 150 EDTA•4Na 20 A3-5 Stearic stearate (EXCEPARL SS) 50 119 120 POE(6) sorbitan monolaurate (RHEODOL TW-L106) 150 A3-6 Stearic stearate (EXCEPARL SS) 50 117 116 POE(40) sorbit tetraoleate (RHEODOL 440) 150 A3-7 Stearic stearate (EXCEPARL SS) 50 112 114 Alkyl glycoside (C10/C12/C14) (MYDOL 12) 150 A3-8 Stearic stearate (EXCEPARL SS) 50 116 117 Alkyl glycoside (C10/C12/C14) (MYDOL 12) 150 Succinic acid 20 A3-9 Ethylene glycol distearate (EMANON 3201M) 50 117 112 Sodium POE(3) lauryl ether sulfate (EMAL 20C) 150 A3-10 Ethylene glycol distearate (EMANON 3201M) 50 116 114 Sodium POE(4.5) lauryl ether acetate (AKYPO RYM45NV) 150 A3-11 Ethylene glycol distearate (EMANON 3201M) 50 110 111 Lauryl amide propyl betaine (AMPHITOL 20AB) 150 Comparative A3-1 Acetic acid 50 91 96 product POE(6) polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (EMULGEN 106) 150 A3-2 Propionic acid 50 93 92 POE(6) polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (EMULGEN 106) 150 A3-3 Caprylic acid 50 94 95 POE(6) polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (EMULGEN 106) 150 A3-4 Non-treated area (treated by only a liquid fertilizer) — 100 100

TABLE A4 Plant -activating composition Concen- Test result tration Fresh- SPAD Kind (ppm) weight value Inventive A4-1 Stearic acid (LUNAC S-98) 100 107 111 product POE(20) polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (EMULGEN 120) 200 A4-2 Cerotic acid 100 109 110 POE(8) polyoxyethylene oleyl ether (EMULGEN 408) 200 A4-3 Stearic acid (LUNAC S-98) 100 129 120 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate (RHEODOL TW-O120) 200 A4-4 Stearic acid (LUNAC S-98) 100 132 126 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate (RHEODOL TW-O120) 200 EDTA•4Na 30 A4-5 Stearic stearate (EXCEPARL SS) 100 118 121 POE(6) sorbitan monolaurate (RHEODOL TW-L106) 200 A4-6 Stearic stearate (EXCEPARL SS) 100 117 118 POE(40) sorbit tetraoleate (RHEODOL 440) 200 A4-7 Stearic stearate (EXCEPARL SS) 100 114 116 Alkyl glycoside (C10/C12/C14) (MYDOL 12) 200 A4-8 Stearic stearate (EXCEPARL SS) 100 116 118 Alkyl glycoside (C10/C12/C14) (MYDOL 12) 200 Malic acid 30 A4-9 Methyl laurate (EXCEPARL ML-85) 100 122 114 Sodium POE(3) lauryl ether sulfate (EMAL 20C) 200 Comparative A4-1 Acetic acid 100 92 94 product POE(6) polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (EMULGEN 106) 200 A4-2 Propionic acid 100 95 93 POE(6) polyoxyethylene lauryl ether (EMULGEN 106) 200 A4-3 Non-treated area (treated by only water) — 100 100

In the Tables, POE is an abbreviation of polyoxyethylene. The number in the parentheses is the average number of ethylene oxide moles added. The wording in the parentheses subsequent to the kinds of the activating agents and the compositions represents a tradename of a product supplied by Kao Corp.

Example B1 Test of Reproductive Ability Using Chlorella Cells Example B2 Test of Hydroponics of Tomato Seedlings Example B3 Test of Soil-Treatment for Tomatoes Example B4 Test of Soil-Treatment for Spinach

Examples B1 to B4 were carried out by the same manner as in Examples 1 to 4 except that the plant-activating agents described in Tables B1 to B4 were used. Results are shown in Tables B1 to B4 respectively.

TABLE B1 Plant-activating agent or plant- Evaluation activating composition result Concentration reproductive Kind (ppm) ability Inventive B1-1 Tallow 30 124 product B1-2 Batyl alcohol 30 138 EDTA•4Na 4 B1-3 Stearic acid monoglyceride 30 132 B1-4 Batyl alcohol 30 130 B1-5 Palm oil 30 124 B1-6 Glyceric acid stearyl ester 30 122 B1-7 Glyceric acid cetyl amide 30 120 B1-8 Hexaglycerol ester of stearic acid 30 123 B1-9 Glycerol carbonate 30 126 Comparative B1-1 Glycerol 30 98 product B1-2 Inorganic salt medium (non-treated area) — 100

TABLE B2 Plant-activating composition Test result Concen- Efficiency for tration absorbing a SPAD Kind (ppm) fertilizer value Inventive B2-1 Stearic acid diglyceride 100 134 114 product POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 500 B2-2 Palmitic acid/stearic acid monoglyceride 50 130 112 (EXCEL VS-95) POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 150 B2-3 Oleic acid monoglyceride 50 128 114 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 150 B2-4 Stearic acid diglyceride 100 139 117 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 300 EDTA•4Na 20 B2-5 Tallow 100 122 110 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 150 B2-6 Palm oil 50 125 109 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 150 B2-7 Oleic acid mono/diglyceride (EXCEL 100 126 112 300) POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 150 B2-8 Batyl alcohol 50 132 115 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 600 B2-9 Glyceric acid stearyl ester 100 121 113 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 200 B2-10 Glyceric acid stearyl ester 100 128 116 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 200 Malonic acid 40 B2-11 Stearic acid monoglyceride 300 130 112 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 300 B2-12 Glyceric acid stearyl amide 150 124 111 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 400 Comparative B2-1 Glycerol 100 98 99 product POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 300 B2-2 Culturing solution only (non-treated — 100 100 area)

TABLE B3 Plant-activating composition Concen- Test result tration Fresh- SPAD Kind (ppm) weight value Inventive B3-1 Batyl alcohol 50 123 118 product POE(20) lauryl ether 150 B3-2 Glyceric acid stearyl ester 50 119 118 POE(8) oleyl ether 150 B3-3 Glyceric acid stearyl amide 50 115 116 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 150 B3-4 Batyl alcohol 50 126 120 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 150 EDTA•4Na 20 B3-5 Stearic acid monoglyceride 50 122 117 POE(6) sorbitan monolaurate 150 B3-6 Palm-stearin oil acid 50 118 115 POE(40) sorbit tetraoleate 150 B3-7 Oleic acid mono/diglyceride (EXCEL 300) 50 112 113 Alkyl glycoside (MYDOL 12 supplied by Kao 150 Corp.) B3-8 Stearic acid monoglyceride 50 124 119 Alkyl glycoside (MYDOL 12) 150 Succinic acid 20 B3-9 Tallow 50 118 116 Sodium POE(3) lauryl ether sulfate 150 B3-10 Hexaglycerol ester of stearic acid 50 119 114 POE(40) sorbit tetraoleate (RHEODOL 440) 150 B3-11 Glycerol carbonate 50 119 113 Sodium POE(4.5) lauryl ether acetate 150 B3-12 Palmitic acid/stearic acid monoglyceride 50 114 111 (EXCEL VS-95) Lauryl amide propyl betaine 150 Comparative B3-1 Glycerol 50 95 100 product POE(8) oleyl ether 150 B3-2 Glycerol 50 98 99 Alkyl glycoside (MYDOL 12) 150 B3-3 Treated with a liquid fertilizer (non-treated — 100 100 area)

TABLE B4 Plant-activating composition Concen- Test result tration Fresh- SPAD Kind (ppm) weight value Inventive B4-1 Oleic acid monoglyceride 100 120 115 product POE(20) lauryl ether 200 B4-2 Stearic acid monoglyceride 100 130 122 POE(8) oleyl ether 200 B4-3 Tallow 100 128 120 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 200 B4-4 Stearic acid monoglyceride 100 135 125 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate 200 EDTA•4Na 30 B4-5 Palm-stearin oil 100 122 120 POE(6) sorbitan monolaurate 200 B4-6 Oleic acid mono/diglyceride (EXCEL 100 120 119 300) POE(40) sorbit tetraoleate 200 B4-7 Batyl alcohol 100 124 115 Alkyl glycoside (MYDOL 12) 200 B4-8 Glyceric acid stearyl ester 100 130 119 Alkyl glycoside (MYDOL 12) 200 Malic acid 30 B4-9 Glyceric acid stearyl amide 100 121 113 Sodium POE(3) lauryl ether sulfate 200 B4-10 Glycerol carbonate 100 129 120 POE(6) sorbitan monolaurate 200 B4-11 Hexaglycerol ester of stearic acid 100 125 118 POE(8) oleyl ether 200 Comparative B4-1 Glycerol 100 98 99 product Sodium POE(3) lauryl ether sulfate 200 B4-2 Treated by water (non-treated area) — 100 100

In the Tables, POE is an abbreviation of polyoxyethylene and the number in the parentheses is the average number of ethylene oxide moles added. The wording in the parentheses subsequent to the kinds of the activating agents and the compositions represents a tradename of a product supplied by Kao Corp.

Example C1 Test of Soil-Treatment for Tomato Seedlings

Seeds of tomato “Momotaro” were sown in a cell tray using Kureha Engei Baido [horticultural soil supplied by Kureha Chemical Industry Co., Ltd.; the fertilizer components: N:P:K=0.4:1.9:0.6 (g/kg)] as the cultural soil. After true leaves expanded, the seedlings were fixedly planted in pots having a diameter of 12 cm. Then, the treatment was started. That is, the plant-activating compositions, in which starting ingredients shown in Table C1 and OKF2 (supplied by Otsuka Chemical Co., Ltd.) as a fertilizer component in concentration of 230 ppm (2000-fold diluted solution) were blended, were used to treat the soil with the treating amount of 60 ml/individual every 7 days 4 times in total. The blended concentrations of the starting ingredients were as shown in Table C1 and the balance was water. After 6 days from the 4 treatments, the fresh-weight and the SPAD value (SPAD502 supplied by Minolta Co., Ltd.) showing the green degree of leaves of the plants were measured. The measured values as the relative values were compared, when that of the non-treated was made as 100. The fertilizer composition of OKF2 (supplied by Otsuka Chemical Co., Ltd.) was that N:P:K:Ca:Mg=14:8:16:6:2. In the present example, however, the number of the individuals was 10, the result of the fresh-weight was the average of 10 data thereof, and the result of the SPAD value was the average of 30 data (that is, 3 points were measured every individuals) measured about the third true leaf.

TABLE C1 Concen- Test result tration Fresh- SPAD No. Plant-activating composition (ppm) weight value Inventive C-1 Batyl alcohol 50 112 107 product POE(60) polyoxyethylene hardened (or hydrogenated) caster 150 oil [EMANON CH-60(K)] C-2 Batyl alcohol 50 125 114 POE(80) polyoxyethylene hardened caster oil [EMANON CH-80] 150 C-3 Batyl alcohol 50 128 116 POE(80) polyoxyethylene hardened caster oil [EMANON CH-80] 150 Citric acid 20 C-4 Stearic acid 50 120 109 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate [RHEODOL TW-O120] 150 C-5 Stearic acid 50 124 112 POE(20) sorbitan monooleate [RHEODOL TW-O120] 150 Citric acid 3Na salt 20 C-6 Citric acid C18 monoamide 50 123 111 Sucrose fatty acid ester [DK ester F160^()] 150 C-7 Citric acid C18 monoamide 50 121 110 Sucrose fatty acid ester [DK ester F140^()] 150 C-8 Glyceric acid stearyl ester 50 120 112 POE(20) sorbitan tristearate [RHEODOL TW-S320] 150 C-9 Glyceric acid stearyl ester 50 111 106 POE(12) stearyl ether [EMULGEN 320P] 150 C-10 Citric acid C18 monoamide 50 126 114 Sucrose fatty acid ester [DK ester F160^()] 150 Potassium oxalate 20 Comparative C-1 Glycerol 50 96 97 product POE(5) lauryl ether [EMULGEN 106] 150 C-2 Lactic acid 50 93 94 POE(5) lauryl ether [EMULGEN 106] 150 C-3 Acetic acid 50 91 92 POE(5) lauryl ether [EMULGEN 106] 150 Treated with a liquid fertilizer (non-treated) — 100 100

In the Tables, POE is an abbreviation of polyoxyethylene and the number in the parentheses is the average number of ethylene oxide moles added. The wording in the brackets represents a tradename of a product supplied by Kao Corp. In particular, the mark  is a tradename of Dai-Ichi Kogyo Seiyaku Co., Ltd. 

1. A plant-activating composition comprising a plant-activating agent in a concentration of 0.01 to 500 ppm and at least one of a surfactant and a chelating agent, said plant-activating agent is a compound of formula (II), RCOO(AO)_(n)X¹  (II) wherein R represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 15 to 19 carbon atoms; X¹ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or acyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, or a counter ion; AO represents at least one group selected from oxyethylene, oxypropylene and oxybutylene groups and may be random or block; and n represents an average number of moles added and is zero to 30, wherein the composition is in an emulsion.
 2. A plant-activating composition comprising a plant-activating agent in a concentration of 0.01 to 500 ppm and at least one of a surfactant and a chelating agent, said plant-activating agent is a compound of formula (II), RCOO(AO)_(n)X¹  (II) wherein R represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 11 to 29 carbon atoms; X¹ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or acyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms, an alkenyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, or a counter ion; AO represents at least one group selected from oxyethylene, oxypropylene and oxybutylene groups and may be random or block; and n represents an average number of moles added and is zero to 30, wherein the surfactant is at least one selected from the group consisting of an ester group-containing nonionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, cationic surfactant and amphoteric surfactant, wherein the composition is in an emulsion.
 3. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surfactant is selected from a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant and an amphoteric surfactant.
 4. The composition as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the plant-activating agent is in an aqueous dispersion and with the proviso that when the chelating agent is a salt of EDTA, the salt is a sodium salt.
 5. The composition as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the chelating agent is at least one selected from the group consisting of citric acid, gluconic acid, malic acid, heptonic acid, oxalic acid, malonic acid, lactic acid, tartaric acid, succinic acid, fumaric acid, maleic acid, adipic acid, glutaric acid, polycarboxylic acid, potassium salt of a polycarboxylic acid, sodium salt of a polycarboxylic acid, an aliphatic amine salt of a polycarboxylic acid, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), nitrilotriacetic acid (NTA) and cyclohexanediaminetetraacetic acid (CDTA).
 6. The composition as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the composition comprises 10 to 20,000 parts by weight of the surfactant and zero to 10,000 parts by weight of the chelating agent per 100 parts by weight of the activating agent.
 7. The composition as claimed in claim 6, wherein the composition further comprises 10 to 5,000 parts by weight of other nutrients per 100 parts by weight of the activating agent.
 8. The composition as claimed in claim 2, wherein R represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 13 to 29 carbon atoms.
 9. The composition as claimed in claim 1, wherein the surfactant is at least one selected from the group consisting of a sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester, glycerol fatty acid ester, polyoxyalkylene glycerol fatty acid ester, polyglycerol fatty acid ester, polyoxyalkylene polyglycerol fatty acid ester, sucrose fatty acid ester, resin acid ester and polyoxyalkylene resin acid ester.
 10. The composition as claimed in claim 2, which is the compound (2) represented by the formula (II) wherein n is zero to 20; R represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 13 to 21 carbon atoms, X¹ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or acyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 22 carbon atoms.
 11. A method of activating a plant comprising forming a plant-activating composition in an emulsion and applying said emulsion to the plant, wherein said plant-activating composition is capable of promoting growth of the plant by itself and comprises a plant activating agent in a concentration of 0.01 to 500 ppm and at least one of a surfactant and a chelating agent, said plant-activating agent is a compound of formula (II) RCOO(AO)_(n)X¹  (II) wherein R represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 15 to 19 carbon atoms; X¹ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or acyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, or a counter ion; AO represents at least one group selected from oxyethylene, oxypropylene and oxybutylene groups and may be random or block; and n represents an average number of moles added and is zero to
 30. 12. A method of activating a plant comprising forming a plant-activating composition in an emulsion and applying said emulsion to the plant, wherein said plant-activating composition is capable of promoting growth of the plant by itself and comprises a plant activating agent in a concentration of 0.01 to 500 ppm and at least one of a surfactant and a chelating agent, said plant-activating agent is a compound of formula (II), RCOO(AO)_(n)X¹  (II) wherein R represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 11 to 29 carbon atoms; X¹ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or acyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, or a counter ion; AO represents at least one group selected from oxyethylene, oxypropylene and oxybutylene groups and may be random or block; and n represents an average number of moles added and is zero to 30, wherein the surfactant is at least one selected from the group consisting of an ester group-containing nonionic surfactant, anionic surfactant, cationic surfactant and amphoteric surfactant.
 13. A method of activating a plant comprising forming a plant-activating composition in an emulsion and spraying said emulsion on phylloplanes of the plant, wherein said plant-activating composition is capable of promoting growth of the plant by itself and comprises a plant activating agent in a concentration of 0.01 to 500 ppm and at least one of a surfactant and a chelating agent, said plant-activating agent is a compound of formula (II), RCOO(AO)_(n)X¹  (II) wherein R represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 11 to 29 carbon atoms; X¹ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or acyl group having 1 to 30 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 30 carbon atoms, or a counter ion; AO represents at least one group selected from oxyethylene, oxypropylene and oxybutylene groups and may be random or block; and n represents an average number of moles added and is zero to
 30. 14. The method as claimed in claim 11, which is the compound (2) represented by the formula (II) wherein n is zero to 20; X¹ represents a hydrogen atom, an alkyl or acyl group having 1 to 22 carbon atoms or an alkenyl group having 2 to 22 carbon atoms.
 15. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the plant activating agent promotes permeation.
 16. The method as claimed in claim 12, wherein R represents an alkyl or alkenyl group having 13 to 29 carbon atoms.
 17. The method as claimed in claim 11, wherein the surfactant is at least one selected from the group consisting of a sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyoxyalkylene sorbitan fatty acid ester, polyoxyalkylene fatty acid ester, glycerol fatty acid ester, polyoxyalkylene glycerol fatty acid ester, polyglycerol fatty acid ester, polyoxyalkylene polyglycerol fatty acid ester, sucrose fatty acid ester, resin acid ester and polyoxyalkylene resin acid ester.
 18. The method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the surfactant is selected from a nonionic surfactant, an anionic surfactant and an amphoteric surfactant. 